I've already posted about how I was cured of cheilitis using a combination of saliva and cocoa butter here. Regarding the HPV theory (and candida, dermatitis, etc), the saliva/cocoa butter method does not contradict the HPV theory at all. There is scientific evidence that supports saliva containing antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory agents. Now, I also agree with many posters on this forum that licking your lips will dry it out, which is why it's imperative to apply cocoa butter immediately afterwards.
For users who can't afford the prescription cream for HPV/candida/etc or a biopsy, why not test this method out first, considering it's natural, inexpensive (I spent $2.50 on the stick of Palmer's Cocoa Butter lip balm that lasted me several months), and doesn't contain the adverse side effects that are known in various antibiotic creams?
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or in the medical field. In my case, the saliva/cocoa butter method worked for me. If you're currently taking an antibiotic cream I wish you all the best of luck in curing EC!